topknot
Meaning
a hairstyle in which the hair is gathered into a knot or bunch on the top of the head.
a decorative knot of ribbon or fabric worn on the top of the head.
a tuft of hair, feathers, or skin on the top of an animal's head.
Structure
Usage
she styled her long hair into an elegant topknot for the gala.
the portrait from the 18th century shows the woman wearing a topknot adorned with pearls.
the breed of chicken is easily identified by the distinctive red topknot on its head.
Etymology
the word 'topknot' is a transparent compound formed from two old english, germanic-derived elements. 'top' originally referred to the highest point or summit, and by extension, the crown of the head or a tuft of hair growing there. 'knot' descends from a common germanic root for a tied fastening. when combined, the term literally means "a knot on the top," a logic perfectly preserved in its modern meanings. it first described a decorative ribbon tied atop the head, later extending to similar hairstyles for people and natural crests on animals, maintaining a direct link between its constituent parts and its application.
Analysis
- top: from old english 'top' (summit, crest, tuft of hair), of germanic origin; functions as a noun indicating the highest or uppermost part. - knot: from old english 'cnotta', of germanic origin; functions as a noun indicating a fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or hair.